Matthew Morgis

What the "][" did for me

Sat, 26 May 2012 19:27:00 -0400

Philly Proud. Temple Tough.

Those were the words that were plastered all around campus as I started my freshman year at Temple University.

The entire freshman class all felt the same way. We were excited, awkward and anxious. We had wide eyes, and perhaps the best part, was that we had no idea what the next two semesters were going to bring us, or what those four simple words would end up meaning when summer rolled around.

Let me rewind a little bit. I, like most of my friends I ended up meeting at college, was from a small town with a high school graduating class of about 200. And I, just like most of my classmates, could not wait to get the hell out of that small town.

Some had their eyes set west, while others headed out to big cities relatively close to the area at colleges like Penn State, Pitt, St. John, Villanova, etc. Some had no idea where they were going, they just knew they wanted out badly. Almost like a cigarette that dropped out of a car on a highway. It smashes, scatters and burns out without anyone knowing.

I, however, found myself in the heart of Philadelphia.

As the first few weeks started to pan out, I had already seen myself going through a few changes. The biggest, was switching my major the third day of classes to Computer Science after a Cyberspace Gen Ed class mesmerized me.

The nights were fun, but after about a month, I felt like I still wasn’t getting the full college experience. I was seeing a lot of friends from high school that were starting to consider transferring from the university they currently attended, and I questioned if I should be doing the same.

Then, something changed. I’m not sure what it was or how it happened, but I’m sure glad it did. I started to hang out with two of my friends from high school that went to Temple. Those two clowns, along with one my roommates who was also considering transferring but then decided against it as well, became my core and closest group of friends I think I’ve ever had and brought some of the best times of my entire life.

We started to do everything together. Our day had a set schedule. We knew exactly where/when everyone had class. We worked out eating schedules based on that. We would go to the gym, head to library together in the evening to do get some work done, and perhaps the most memorable part of a weekday was fourth meal at 11 p.m.

The weekends became much more exciting. We the four of us all brought in a few friends we met during the first few weeks, and all of a sudden, we would have 20+ people in our dorm before we headed out on weekends.

We all put down money on a house for sophomore year and before we knew it, the semester was over. We actually had so much fun, the only time we went home was for Thanksgiving. We left for winter break with even bigger expectations for the spring.

Spring started off with a bang. The biggest part that I remember was the fact we started to use the city a lot. Impromptu trips to South Street became a norm. School basketball games, Phillies & Sixers, concerts, Dayglow, Beer Olympics, Crate Race, beach volleyball. There was just so much to do, again we never went home until spring break.

We became good friends with a group of about six guys that lived on the floor above me. That was for the better, except some of the girls that hung around thought we all got a little too rowdy at times, but boys will be boys.

I don’t mean for this to turn into a rant about how much fun college was for me, or to brag about how I the best year of my life came to an end. I actually decided to write this because through all of this I learned a few things.

Each and every person I met at Temple brought something new and different. Everyone came from similar, yet very different backgrounds. And I learned there is a lot more out there and some people have very different upbringings.

I also was able to snag a job building mobile apps in Center City for the summer. Some of the other guys have jobs in Philadelphia as well, and all were brought to us by Temple.

When I look back, we were all just a rag-tag group of kids that were just trying to have good time, yet we grew so much in one year together.

I’m living alone, in a house, with a 9-5 job, in the city. And the crazy part is, some of the others are doing the exact same thing.

We all had some hard things to deal with as we went through the year. As some people know, Temple isn’t the safest area to live in PA. We were on our own for the first time, we had to balance jobs, school (I also learned you have to study in college), friends, relationships, etc. Looking back, there were a lot of things I can’t believe I was able to handle, but Temple seems to bring a lot of intangibles that you don’t realize.

I came to realization that growing up means watching your heroes turn human in front you. Some people that I looked up to in high school I realized could have set out to be a lot more.

I finally now understand what those four words mean. When I was in the car heading down to Temple last August, I had no idea where it would take me. I had one goal in mind of making it out of my hometown. That goal is accomplished, and I could not of had more fun achieving it.

One thing is for sure, I’m not going to be running away from anything. Sometimes as weird as that place became at times, it made me, me.

I am definitely not ashamed to say that I am Philly Proud and Temple Tough.

One year can make a big difference

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:33:15 -0400

Somewhere among the craziness that is college finals week, I found a little time to look back at a snapshot of my life from the past year — and there really are about a 1,000 words I can think of to describe the roller coaster ride.

Of course there are the big things that stand out like starting college, moving to Philadelphia, meeting my favorite band, but I was finally able to dive into the little things that have shaped who I am today, and I’d have to say if it wasn’t for the people I’ve been able to call my friends and colleagues, I’m not sure I would have had such success.

When I “started out” I was a junior in high school just trying to make a name for myself. I had no idea what I wanted to do, I just wanted people to know my name for something good. One of my favorite songs lyrics ever is from a Rise Against song that says “When I die, will they remember not what I’ve did, but what I haven’t done?”

So, as many know, I threw myself into about a million different things. I worked at a gym and a newspaper. I did video production and live sound. I designed websites and mobile apps. And I truly loved every second of it.

The people I came across have been second to known. From a “tell it like it is” photographer who probably gives the best insight on everyday situations to editors that dealt with stress without developing any type of unhealthy additions, I received a heavy dose of real life.

I know I’m only 20 years old, but being able to look back at how some things have changed drastically since I started a few years back has been a neat experience — and one that I’ll never forget.

I guess the spark of all of this came when I saw a band I’ve covered from their grassroots, Patent Pending, won a chance to perform at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. The band has done some ridiculous things to stay ahead, gain fans, and jump on some pretty big tours. It just goes to show hard work does pay off.

I’ve literally had the time of my life doing things I love with great people the past few years and I wanted to give one big thank you to everyone who has made it possible. I feel like I’m in a great position to succeed in anything I put my mind to, and I’m not sure I’d be able to handle this whole college thing without all of my past experiences and being surrounded by great people.

jasonriedmiller: Tigers Jaw. Wilkes-Barre, PA. 4/19/12

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:03:42 -0400

jasonriedmiller:

Tigers Jaw. Wilkes-Barre, PA. 4/19/12

jasonriedmiller: Scott McMicken of Dr. Dog. Electric Factory....

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:09:06 -0400

jasonriedmiller:

Scott McMicken of Dr. Dog. Electric Factory. Philadelphia, PA. 3/25/12

A Lil' Nostalgia Never Hurt Anyone

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 01:53:00 -0400

Think back to junior high. Life was simple for the most part, and your biggest worry was your social life. Everyone’s world seems to get turned upside down in middle school; growing up was beginning, girls were becoming pretty, new friends came along while old ones faded away — things were socially complicated. In my opinion, a lot of who I am came from this social growth and my hunger for music was born.

Days when we still felt alive, we couldn’t wait to get outside

I wouldn’t say my parents were “overprotective” in my younger days, but they definitely kept a close guard on all aspects of my life. I was a church-going, straight-A student that played three sports. I was a good kid; my parents were proud of me. I had responsible friends. We had dial-up internet with Earthlink child restrictions. We were not allowed on AIM for more than a half hour, and we had set times for our homework, family dinners, etc. It was a normal, routine life until I discovered something new. That new thing was a Southern California, punk-rock band called Blink-182, and they were strictly frowned upon in my household.

And mom and dad possess the key, instant slavery

“What’s My Age Again” and “All The Small Things” had taken over mainstream music. Their music videos were all over MTV, top-40 radio would constantly spin the tunes, and my sister had bought the Enema of the State CD, although, I was never allowed to listen to it. I would always sing the songs on the radio in the car, my dad would always let me know when the videos were on television, but whenever I wanted to borrow the CD, the idea was either shot down, or the subject changed rather quickly until I forgot I asked. What I didn’t know was that my sister was trying to protect herself from getting in trouble.

Home show, mom won’t know

One big trait of mine is persistence. I have tunnel vision for better or for worse and I was determined to hear the rest of this album. I don’t remember why, but I was home alone one day — a rare occurrence at the Morgis residence. I snuck into my sister’s room, snatched the disc out of its case, and started to blast it through the stereo in my room. I was stunned by what I heard. Songs about rebellion, sex, food, relationships, music and just about every other topic that was on my mind as a teenager. It was top-tapping, fast-paced, summer punk rock. I was signing my heart out learning the words…until my mother walked in and heard was being played. Without ratting my sister out I was able to say I acquired the CD from a friend at school. No matter what I said, Blink-182 was now forbidden.

Is it something I’ll regret? Why do I want what I can’t get?

I’ll admit that Blink-182 wasn’t my first banned artist. Who didn’t go through a rap phase at one point? That ended quickly when my parents heard “Every in the club gettin’ tipsy,” being played. I became a big fan of rappers after that. Partly because it was on the radio and mostly because I wasn’t allowed to listen. But with Blink it was different. I felt as though the music fit me and it still wasn’t allowed to be around. Like I was misunderstood and maybe my parents didn’t know what was best for me.

I wish it didn’t have to be so bad

Enema of the State was the first album I listened to constantly. I memorized every lyric, beat, melody, and could even hum every elementary guitar solo. I knew the three member’s names — something I often overlooked. I watched endless YouTube videos of interviews, live shows, and other random things I could find. I read every bit of information I could and found other people who have been listening since day one. The fact that this record was written and recorded in two weeks and had this much impact on my life was mind blowing to me.

I haven’t been this scared in a long time

Enema of the State was a life changer as a I mentioned. I went from the kid who read books and played Madden to the teen who wanted to learn guitar and see live concerts. I started to get into all different music: classic rock, indie, and of course different styles of punk. Green Day became a favorite of mine along with other pop-punk acts of the time (Yellowcard, All Time Low, Less Than Jake, New Found Glory). Everything clicked. There was never a sad song, it taught me how to deal with the problems that life was starting to throw at me, and it formed me as a person I will be for the rest of my life.

After this record, my conversations with new people normally would start with “Who’s your favorite band?” I started to meet people with similar music tastes, and fixing my iTunes library to make sure it had correct album artwork and song names was the most important task at hand.

Without Blink or Enema of the State, I would never have taken a leap into new music or learned how to be myself. That record taught me to really look out for yourself and do what you like, not what others tell to you do. Without it, I would never have found a lot of artists I listen to today, and I would never have sought out a career in the music industry as early as I did. I would have never written a single article, reviewed a single show, or had any other opportunity that has come my way.

Even now as I change to the technology industry, I carry that “never say die” attitude and the ability to cope with just about anything. And when I feel stressed out from time to time, I still blast that same fast punk rock music I fell in love with back in middle school. After all, without Enema of the State, you wouldn’t be reading this.

2012, Don't Let Me Down

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:31:09 -0500

Well, 2012, we’ve been seeing each other for a day now and I can’t say I have any complaints thus far.

2011 was simply amazing and I am sad to see it go, but I have a feeling you’ll be better.

I’m not one to live in the past, but I do not have one complaint from this past year. First off, I finished high school and moved on to college at Temple University. High school was one of those “thanks for the memories, even though they weren’t so great” type of scenarios. It prepared me to move on, and I’m thrilled I can finally advance.

I won the Times Leader’s Best & Brightest award, something I always wished to be considered for. I also figured out what exactly I want to do for the rest of my life.

I saw some of the best concerts of my life, and interviewed my all time favorite bands. I took on new challenges at the paper and succeeded. And I had a lot of “I’ll never forget this” type of moments.

My first semester of college was a blast, and my first winter break lead to a lot good things.

To sum it up, I am nothing but excited for 2012 and I can’t wait to see what I’ll be looking back on this time next year.

Legit

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:10:14 -0500

Legit

My Best of 2011

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:37:00 -0500

Just about every newspaper, periodical and website is releasing their staff picks and “Best Of…” issues. I figured I would jump on that bandwagon and release my personal top-10 albums and live shows I saw or listened to in 2011.

2011 Albums:

10.) Blink-182 - Neighborhoods

Blink fans are fickle about what their favorite records — one’s “Enema of the State,” is another’s self-titled. Some favor Tom DeLonge’s earlier angst-filled material, and other’s prefer the reflective lyrics of the husband and father he has become. Neighborhoods has a little something of everything. It shows a new side to Blink that is more arena “U2” rock than punk (Ghost of the Dance Floor, Wishing Well), but sticks to its roots (Hearts All Gone, MH 4.18.2011). These 14 tracks can get me through a day.

9.) Dropkick Murphy’s - Going Out in Style

The Dropkick Murphy’s get better with age. The band is now a veteran when it comes to writing music and it showed how well it can compose with this album. It was has the standard irish-punch, but it also has ballads that will catch your ear. Of course it has the sing-a-long drinking tunes as well.

8.) Chuck Ragan - Covering Ground

“A collection of road songs” is how Ragen described his newest masterpiece. Ragan mastered the folk genre, yet still packed a punch big enough to tour with Social Distortion and Dropkick. This trio might have put together one of the most underrated records this year had to offer. There’s also no denying that Ragan has the coolest voice ever recorded.

7.) Title Fight - Shed

These hardcore-punk kids must’ve had the time of their life this year. After recently signing to SideOneDummy records, the hard-working group put out the record they wanted to and made sure to cater to no one — and found success. “Shed” is filled with quick blasts of punk rock and hometown references, and worth every good review it has earned.

6.) Yellowcard - When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes

It was going to be hard to top the band’s last record “Paper Walls,” and I’m still debating on whether it happened, but WYTTSY was the perfect record for the California band’s return. It was nostalgic, yet well-written and throughly composed. Looking forward to what 2012 brings from these guys.

5.) Wilco - The Whole Love

Wilco released this album on their own label. Maybe without pressure from music executives and deadlines, the band flourished. But whatever the writing process was for “The Whole Love,” Wilco should stick to it. A final stable line-up, Jeff Tweedy wrote a gem.

4.) The Black Keys - El Camino

This is one of those “listen and hear for yourself” type of records. Nothing bad has ever come from this duo, in my opinion, and this is no exception.

3.) The Joy Formidable - The Big Roar

The Joy Formidable may have released rollicking tracks like “Austere,” “Whirring” and “Cradle” over the past few years, but in 2011, the songs found a proper home on the Welsh indie rockers’ aptly-titled debut, “The Big Roar.” Dave Grohl, who would later take the band on tour, called “Whirring” the song of the year — but “The Big Roar” stands on its own, thanks to frontwoman Ritzy Bryan’s breathy vocals and the juxtaposition of shoegaze- style guitars with pop harmonies.

2.) Foo Fighters - Wasting Light

This album was all the rave when it was released. The fact that it was recorded on analog equipment in a garage was nominated for a grammy is remarkable. Over all, Wasting Light brings that throbbing rock everyone needs in their life once in a while. Well-written and a good listen from start to finish.

1.) The Decemberists - The King is Dead

An instant love at first spin. Released early in the year, it would be hard to leave it’s mark, but “The King is Dead” is one of those albums you keep going back too — even 11 months later. To capture the love and passion Colin Meloy packed into this album, simply listen.

2011 Best Concerts:

6.) Mac Miller - Electric Factory, Philadelphia

Mac Miller did away with the fancy light shows and production that normally comes with a hip-hop concert. He carried the energy of a rock show and bounced around stage all night, creating an energy in the crowd like no other.

5.) Less Than Jake - Sherman Theater, Strousburg

These music vets ran through 22 of my favorite songs before closing the curtain. It was filled with jokes, banter, mohawks, yeah, music. I was most impressed that after many years, they still pour tons of effort into each show.

4.) Bayside/Saves the Day - Trocadero, Philadelphia

A true punk rock show at its finest. Two nights in a row the band came out and killed it with co-headliners Saves the Day. It was filled with energy, moshing, excitement and any other element that is suppose to be at a punk rock show.

3.) Four Year Strong/Title Fight/The Swellers - Trocadero

A great showcase of where punk rock music is headed. The Swellers rocked the stage, Title Fight blew it up, and FYS put it back together. A quality showcase of some of the hottest bands in the country right now.

2. Blink-182/My Chemical Romance/Matt & Kim - Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, NJ

I saw this band twice as well. The set list did not change, but the line up did. No matter who the support acts were, Blink blew them off stage. It had flying drum rigs, lasers, and lots of immature jokes. The set a good balance of greatest hits and “new blink.” Back from hiatus, the group still can put on a show.

1.) Yellowcard

I saw this band twice in 2011 and it was amazing. I believe every concert should be modeled after its performance. Violin players were doing back flips and the audience was forming circle pits. It had ballads that can make girls swoon, and rock riffs that can make your heart race. Throughly impressed each time.

Sorry, Tumblr

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:40:46 -0500

In one of my last posts I explained that I used to use Tumblr as a portfolio for all of my journalism work. I then coded my own website and use that as my online portfolio.

I also said I would use Tumblr for its main purpose - blogging. Which I haven’t done since school started, so here goes nothing.

I finished my first semester at Temple University just a few days ago. It was a truly amazing experience. My grades were solid, I met a lot of fun people, and I was able to see some amazing concerts being in Philadelphia.

I’m now back in Scranton working on a lot of different projects. I’m heading up a video project for “It Gets Better.” I’m writing for The Times Leader, and working on some big interviews for the coming weeks.

That is all.

Cool set I was a part of for a recent video shoot. More to come...

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:29:01 -0500

Cool set I was a part of for a recent video shoot. More to come soon..

Today is a good day if you’re into punk rock music! New...

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:31:49 -0400

Today is a good day if you’re into punk rock music! New Found Glory released a brand new video from their upcoming album on Oct. 4 titled “Radiosurgery.”

In addition to that, the new blink-182 album leaked and can be heard from various sites throughout the Internet!

College Life & My Path Away from Journalism

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:27:36 -0400

Right at the beginning of September I started my freshman year of college - and I was scared out of my mind.

I was moving from the small town of Scranton, Pa., to Philadelphia. Philadelphia is the fourth largest media market in these great United States, which is the primary reason I wanted to move there.

Temple University was the school of choice. Yes, it is in North Philly, and yes it is in a rough part of town, but at the time I wanted to be in a big city with lots of people.

Move in day crept up way too fast and summer came to a halting stop, yet “back to school” wasn’t so bad this time. Instead of walking the same halls at Crestwood High School, I was going to be living on my own with new people. And thank goodness for new people.

Within a few hours my parents were making the two hour drive back to Scranton and I was left on my own in the big city of Philadelphia. All sorts of doubt and apprehension started to settle in on me. Was this the right college for me? Will my roommates be friendly? Will anyone be friendly? Will I survive on my own? I found out everything I worried about in a matter of a few days.

My roommate worries were easily disowned. They were all very nice and we got along with each other great. I instantly had three friends.

First day of classes came way too fast. The very first course of my college life was a Computer Science class. I LOVED it! We were going to build a website, make a video, blog weekly, etc. The professor gave a lecture about Steve Jobs - one of my idols - and used to work for IBM. This class could potentially change my life.

Most of you know that I started writing for a few different newspapers through out high school. Before I even stepped foot on a college campus I was able to interview some of my favorite bands (All Time Low, Blink-182, Yellowcard) and my favorite comedian, Lewis Black. It was the best job in the world and up until that point I thought my passion was journalism.

Then I came to realize, do I like journalism, or do I like talking to my favorite bands? The answer was easy. I never really liked writing that much. I loved writing about different topics. Criminal stories were always fun and exciting because of the digging involved. Obviously big-name entertainment stories were fun as well, but the average article on a bland community topic never motivated me.

Another downer I always dreaded to look into was the job market. It’s awful for any communication field, yet, with my thick head, I never failed to say to myself “you were doing this since you were 16, you’ll easily find a job.” Not the case. In a small town, I was a big fish winning awards and impressing people. But in the big town of Philadelphia, no one wanted to take a chance on some young kid who worked for a newspaper they never heard of.

My second thoughts were always in the back of my head, but now they were so prominent, I lost sleep that first night of classes. I tossed and turned and really wondered if I was doing the right thing. The next day I had a few communication classes. I figured I would compare them to the Computer Science one and presto, I’ll have my answer.

Media & Society was awful. I couldn’t stand it and wanted to drop it as soon as I could. I set up a meeting with an advisor to discuss the computer science field.

Day 3 of college and I was already about to change my major - one I thought was set in stone. A fun fact about me is I read tech blogs like Mashable, TechTalk and MacLife every night before I fall asleep. I found out with CS, I would get to help develop those very things these blogs talk about.

The job market for it is AMAZING and it is a topic I am actually interested in. I will never have to write a boring paper, and I get to program all sorts of software. It was right up my alley, and after find this information out, I made the switch.

My schedule got harder, and I had to give up writing for the Weekender - the publication that gave me my start. It was very sad and while I was down, this city ate me alive. Luckily I bounced back quickly.

I still write occasionally for two newspapers, The Times Leader and Go Lackawanna. I cover arts here and there, criminal complaints, and I will occasionally be doing video interviews for the Weekender. I still hope to have roots in the broadcasting/journalism field, but for now I have a new passion.

I hope my Tumblr doesn’t turn into a tech blog!

In the 'Blink' of an eye

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:56:02 -0400

There is a reason most bands don’t release any type of films, and that reason, according to Tom DeLonge, is because “It’s difficult!”

DeLonge, the lead singerand guitarist for Blink-182 and Angels & Airwaves (AVA), is gearing up to release a science-fiction movie about human connection with AVA while on tour with Blink supporting its new album, “Neighborhoods,” which is set to drop Sept. 27.

DeLonge will bring the movie, titled “Love,” to the Cinemark in Moosic on Wednesday, Aug. 10 for a one-night-only premier, and his punk trio Blink-182 to the Giant Center in Hershey on Saturday, Aug. 13.

The musician checked in with the Weekender to talk about all that’s happening in his world.

MORGIS: How many years has this movie been in the making?
DELONGE: We just finished our fifth year working on this. We wanted it to be out with Angel’s second album, but then the project just kept getting larger to the point where all of our ambition became real potential.

MORGIS: Is it difficult having the movie/double album and new Blink record dropping around the same time?
DELONGE: Yeah, it’s definitely a lot to juggle. It really wasn’t meant to be that way, the Blink record just took a little bit longer than we expected, so it all ended up on top of each other. Let’s just say I never plan on doing this ever again.

MORGIS: Being involved with two different bands, how do you draw the line as to which riffs or lyrics go to what act when you’re writing?
DELONGE: I’m more prolific with my song writing than I’ve ever been, so I’m not concerned anymore about what goes where. The way I work, I start an idea with one band and keep working with it until it’s perfect and something I like. It’s not as big of a struggle as to what goes to which band, as it is a struggle of finding time to write with each band.

MORGIS: You’ve released two new songs that will be on the Blink-182 record, and they were very different. How diverse is “Neighborhoods?”
DELONGE: Very diverse actually. It’s basically those two songs, and everything in between as well. You have the progressive songwriting from me, the classic nature of Mark (Hoppus’) song writing and then experimental rhythmic beats from Travis (Barker) that take songs to new levels. It truly is a great mix to the three of our perspectives.

MORGIS: What was the recording process for the album?
DELONGE: Well, it was different for us. We had two different studios and two different engineers. We would be sending song ideas back and fourth, and while one of us was finishing a song, the others would be starting a new one. I think that’s why the record is so diverse.

MORGIS: What was the goal when you started Blink-182?
DELONGE: My goal was to be as big as NOFX. We wanted to play clubs in front of a few hundred people; we had no idea shows any bigger happened. Little did we know …

MORGIS: So then having made it musically, what was the goal with AVA?
DELONGE: World domination! I mean, I seriously thought we were going to be the biggest rock band in history, and well, that’s pretty difficult to achieve.

MORGIS: Did you try at all to carry your message from AVA into this new Blink record?
DELONGE: I want to be known for all that I do; for people to think of Tom and think of a little bit of everything. The message from AVA is me, so there is a part of it everywhere I go, but the lyrical and philosophical scenes don’t fit in Blink because they don’t represent the other two guys.
With that said, I’m not two different people either. I have my beliefs and the way that I act and carry myself with both bands is the same. I still have the same beliefs when I’m on the road with Blink, and I’m still the young skateboarding shit that blasts punk music when I’m on tour with AVA — even if I’m the only one if the band that does that.

New Website!

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:02:49 -0400

So, I now have a new website called mattmorgis.com. It was made by my good friend Joe Caviston from Yellowcat Creative Solutions.

I was using this as an online portfolio for all of my work, but now that I have the website I’ll start to use tumblr for what it’s actually for: blogging.

I will however post occasional stories, like my most recent interview with Blink-182, just because I think they’re cool and worth sharing.

That’s all for now.

Later kids.

Scranton natives join concert festival line-up

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 19:06:38 -0400

Out of 68 scheduled acts to perform at the Van’s Warped Tour on July 14, only one is a Scranton-based band.

Motionless In White, a hardcore metal band that is signed to Fearless Records in Orlando, Fla., has had major success in the music scene around the country headlining tours and festivals over the past five years.

MIW — singer Chris Cerulli, keyboardist Joshua Balz, lead guitar Richard Olson and drummer Angelo Parente — will play on the Ernie Ball stage on the east coast leg of this year’s festival.

Cerulli, who phoned in right before leaving for the tour, said he has mixed feelings about going out for their longest string of Warped dates.

“It’s definitely the hardest tour ever,” he explained. “It makes me disgusted when bands that have a bus complain about Warped Tour because all they have to do is come out of their air conditioning for 30 minutes and play a set, then maybe do one signing.

“While on the other hand, we’re always walking around meeting people, and really connecting with as many fans as we possibly can. We have done it in a van, without a driver and without a production crew. We’ve driven through the entire night and been through hell. But nothing good comes easy, so I guess to play in front of that many people, you have to pay your dues.”

The band’s hard work has recently paid off. Their latest album, “Creatures,” debuted on the Billboard 200 charts, and is still climbing. MIW has been a common name on other festival bills, too, most recently earning a slot on Bamboozle at Giant’s Stadium in May 2011.

Cerulli could not be happier with the December release.

“This is the first group of music we are truly excited about,” he said. “All of the other music we were happy about, but it just wasn’t quite there yet. This record is finally what we wanted to be doing and what we’ve always wanted to accomplish as a band. It’s all dark and scary, and everything we want.”

For as difficult as it may be to survive Warped Tour, the band could not be happier to be considered for this year’s tour.

“It’s just a matter of reaching as many people as we can,” explained Cerulli. “You always have to compete with other bands playing at the same time at the other stages. We just want people to walk by and notice us and at the same time connect with our current fans.

“Warped has always been about showing the best possible bands at that time. At times it was punk rock. This year it’s leaning towards metal and hip-hop, but it’s still always the best current acts in the ‘underground’ scene, if you will. And that just makes us basically honored to be able to continue to play it.”

All of the fame and opportunities have not changed the Scranton boys’ attitudes either. They’re still grounded and remember why they play music.

“We don’t want to see a million records; it’s just about playing honest music we believe in and finding people who believe in it, too. I think there are a lot of people out there who believe the same things that I do, and I think without music, none of us would be able to deal with them. That’s the sole reason I do what I do - to give people something to relate to.”

Freeland musician returns 'home'

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 19:05:17 -0400

Every musician has their first memory of why they decided to play music. Sometimes it comes from a parent playing a Beatles album or from their first concert, but for Matt Balas of Red Red Indicator, it was when he was 11 years old and his cousin copied him a Rancid cassette tape.

Balas then saved up money from his paper route to buy his first electric guitar and amplifier, and has been playing music ever since. He has been in seven bands, toured all the U.S. and most of the U.K., and can play just about every traditional instrument.

On July 15, Balas will showcase his talents when he performs at the Vintage Theater with No Service Project and Mad Conductor.

This show is more than a typical concert for Balas though, originally from Freeland. It’s more of a reunion show with a group of friends, he said.

“I played drums with Mad Conductor a few years ago,” said Balas. “I actually toured in both the U.S. and U.K. with them. Then I played guitar in No Service Project, played drums on an album, and toured with them as well.”

Balas, the current singer and guitar player in his project Red Red Indicator - which also includes guitarist Kevin McHugh, bassist Marc Balas, and drummer Ryan Malloy – began their new effort about a year ago. They have a four-song EP available at redredindicator.bandcamp.com titled “I’m Not Product,” which was recorded solely by Balas before the band was formed, and they’re currently working towards their debut full length album.

The “progressive punk” act, as described by Balas, includes bits and pieces of Rancid, Joe Strummer, Rush and some Foo Fighters and Green Day.

The band’s hustle since their start has allowed them to share the stage with Celtic punk-rock band Flatfoot 56 a few months ago. They often accept whatever opportunities to play that they can get.

“It’s hard to find shows these days,” Balas explained. “The independent music scene is, I don’t want to say it, but kind of (expletive). It’s honestly hard to find shows. I’ve had more luck booking tours around the country then shows in this area.

“I just have to remember I love playing music and that’s what we all want to do.”

Set A Survival Plan

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 19:03:50 -0400

Warped Tour always seems to have the same constants each year: The weather is hotter than the big guy next to you in the mosh pit; you receive handouts from a variety of special interest groups and musicians that wish they were on the tour; and, of course, there’s the never-ending maze of merchandise tents you have to weasel through just to see the next act on your list.

Despite all the hardships, thousands of fans decide to attend every year. What started as a “punk rock” festival now showcases the most popular acts in the underground music scene and represents all genres of music.

Alternative electronic acts like 3OH!3 and Dance Gavin Dance are now included on the bill, as well as popular screamo and metal bands such as Attack Attack!, Of Mice and Men and Scranton-based Motionless In White.

Reggae artists like Pepper and The Aggrolites and ska legends Less Than Jake are featured on this year’s Teggart’s Main Stage. Radio-friendly rock groups like Paramore and A Day to Remember will play alongside experimental indie groups like Foxy Shazam and River City Extension.

And then there are the straight punk bands like Set Your Goals, Simple Plan, and Street Dogs - featuring former Dropkick Murphy’s frontman Mike McColgan.

The varied lineup always makes for a diverse crowd fighting for space in front of each of the seven stages. Less Than Jake’s frontman Chris DeMakes says his favorite part is not just the people, but the way the fans interact with the band and vice-versa.

“My favorite part is being able to engage with the audience in a different way,” DeMakes said. “People get so bombarded with electronic advertisements now. Warped is a great way to get rid of the Twitter’s and just interact with your fans on a personal level, something you may not be able to do on other tours.

“You can actually shake their hand, look them in eye and say, ‘Hey, thanks for buying my record.’ And that still means a lot to most people.”

It’s not uncommon to get the opportunity to shake hands with adored artists, either. Many participate in impromptu activities at stands like this year’s Go Lackawanna/Weekender Party Deck at the Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain where you can find some of the year’s top acts playing acoustic sets and signing autographs. Both Go Lackawanna and the Weekender are publications of Impressions Media.

Some acts even find it the best ways to gain new fans.

“It’s a 10-hour plus day in the sun, every single day,” former Taking Back Sunday frontman Fred Mascherino, currently with Terrible Things, said. “Everyone is hot and thirsty, and we all just kind of connect on a personal level. I think we made most of our fans on this tour based on that. We’re suffering with them, then we got on stage and they say, ‘Hey, those are the people I was just complaining with for the last hour.’ We all just relate.”

All in all, it may not be the easiest concert to survive, but at the end of the day it’s an experience to remember.

weekendernepa: Fireworks on Courthouse Square in downtown...

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 19:21:44 -0400

weekendernepa:

Fireworks on Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton. July 3rd 2011. Photo: Jason Riedmiller

Very cool picture snapped from my friends at the Weekender. Follow them! WeekenderNEPA.tumblr.com

WEEKENDER: Hello!

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 14:41:51 -0400

WEEKENDER: Hello!:

weekendernepa:

Why hello there, NEPA!

The Weekender is now on Tumblr! In addition to our Facebook and Twitter profiles, we are now expanding even further into social media world.

We promise we won’t spam you with the same news content on all three outlets. This page is mainly going to be used by the…

ALBUM REVIEW: A good, 'dirty' listen

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:01:46 -0400

With bands like All Time Low, you more or less know what to expect: Fun and catchy pop-rock songs. The band’s major-label debut, “Dirty Work,” is no different, and it could be the reason it debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200.

Lead track “Do You Want Me (Dead)?” contains the softest part of the album — the first 25 seconds of the song — before frontman Alex Gaskarth starts belting out the lyrics, setting the mood of the album with an “I don’t care” attitude.

The next song, “I Feel Like Dancin’” could be the party anthem of the summer — it’s already made Top 40 playlists and can keep a listener’s attention easily.

The album does not have any ballads and keeps going with fast and free-spirited tunes. All Time Low does a good job of making sure the songs don’t sound the same — something that was a downfall on previous albums. It covers all the usual topics that will make it popular for teens and kids in their early twenties: Relationships, flings, parties and easy living.

The standout tracks on “Dirty Work” are “That Girl,” and “Heroes,” which reflect the band’s old punk style of songwriting with the new pop feel it’s added. You get a bit of profanity that you can expect with most rock songs, but at the same time, you get a fun story line and guitar riffs that can make your heart race.

Drummer Rian Dawson shines the most on the album; his work gives the recent release a “dancier” and hip-hop feel while still being able to capture the fast-paced drum fills ATL fans might be used to.

The sound on “Dirty Work” is definitely different and is very comparable to Fall Out Boy’s later albums. And with appearances from members of Simple Plan, Weezer and Panic! At the Disco, it makes for a great listen all the way through and will lighten your mood with ease.

Rating: W W W W